10 First Used Hybrid Cars To Buy That Won’t Break The Bank

Hybrid cars provide a great alternative to gas-only vehicles or going full-on electric. Offering a compromise, in the best sense, they offer up to 50 percent better gas mileage than a gas-only vehicle and none of the range anxiety of an electric-only vehicle. And since hybrids have been around for more than 25 years, the technology is proven, making buying a used hybrid a safe bet.

When considering a used hybrid vehicle, balancing reliability, fuel efficiency, and affordability is essential. The cars listed here have been carefully selected based on their good reliability scores from J.D. Power, low average annual repair costs, and impressive combined gas mileage. All of them are newer than 10 years old and can be purchased for less than $30,000–in some cases, well under $20,000.

Regardless of price, these vehicles are excellent options for anyone purchasing their first used hybrid. Their good reliability means fewer unexpected repairs and maintenance issues, while their fuel efficiency saves considerable money at the pump. The Kelley Blue Book Fair purchase prices for these models are reasonable and significantly lower than their new counterparts. Finally, there’s some variety in these models, so you can pick a vehicle that fits your needs without stressing your wallet.

10

2017 Kia Optima Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $13,165

Leading off, the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid is a reliable and affordable option for those seeking a used hybrid sedan. Often overlooked in comparison with offerings from Honda and Toyota, it provides capable performance in a cleanly styled package. The powertrain consists of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing a combined 193 horsepower while delivering a combined 42 MPG.

Performance Specifications

Trim levels include a well-equipped LX model up to a surprisingly luxurious SXL with premium Nappa leather. Kia renamed the Optima as the K5 in 2021, but regardless of what you call it, Kia’s midsize hybrid sedan is a well-rounded vehicle that balances performance, efficiency, and affordability.

9

2019 Chevrolet Malibu Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $15,184

The Chevrolet Malibu nameplate has lived several lives but has always represented solid value in a midsize sedan. The 2019 hybrid version is a solid pick with impressive reliability and fuel efficiency. A 1.8-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor delivers 182 horsepower and 46 MPG overall.

Performance Specifications

It’s an underrated vehicle with low repair costs and operating expenses. Overall, its blend of reliability, efficiency, and affordability makes it a strong contender for anyone looking for a used hybrid sedan.

8

2019 Honda Insight

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $17,000

Honda discontinued the Insight, making it an overlooked option in a sea of Honda Civics. Nevertheless, this hybrid still outshines new vehicles with its fuel economy and low running costs. A 1.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor generates 151 horsepower and an impressive 52 MPG combined.

Performance Specifications

It’s a well-rounded vehicle capable of seeing 300,000 miles while asking little in return. Thanks to a balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability, it deserves a look if you need a small hybrid sedan.

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7

2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $18,730

With impressive fuel economy of up to 50 MPG combined, the 2021 Hyundai Elantra Hybrid represents a great value in a well-designed small sedan. It’s powered by a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine paired with an electric motor, producing 139 horsepower, and makes an excellent option for people with long commutes.

Performance Specifications

It’s a budget-friendly hybrid that doesn’t feel cheap. Combining contemporary design, impressive fuel economy, and reliability, it makes an ideal first hybrid vehicle.

6

2018 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $19,000

Like its Kia Optima sibling, the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid packs loads of value. Power comes from a 2.0-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor, producing 193 horsepower while delivering a combined fuel efficiency of 42 MPG. As a family car or commuter vehicle, it’s hard to beat and proves adept at meeting most people’s needs.

Performance Specifications

The Sonata blends economy, comfort, and practicality in a nice package. Its blend of reliability, efficiency, and affordability makes it one of the best midsize sedans on the market and a bargain as a used hybrid.

5

2021 Honda Accord Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $21,525

The Honda Accord is the mic drop among midsize hybrid sedans. It delivers impressive performance from a 2.0-liter inline-four engine with an electric motor that generates 212 horsepower. Yet it also delivers 48 MPG combined and will rack up an impressive number of miles while providing a rewarding ownership experience.

Performance Specifications

It makes a great buy as a used hybrid sedan. It’s well-rounded and provides a balance of performance, efficiency, and reliability that makes it stand out in the used car marketplace.

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4

2020 Toyota Camry Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $21,641

If you’re looking for the perfect alternative to the Honda Accord, the Toyota Camry deserves a look. The hybrid powertrain comprises a 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor, producing 208 horsepower. Its combined 52 MPG is Prius-like, yet it provides all the goodness of a traditional mainstream sedan.

Performance Specifications

The Camry is also the most dependable Toyota hybrid from the last decade. That makes it almost a no-brainer for people looking for a reliable mid-size hybrid sedan that’s cheap to own and operate.

3

2018 Toyota RAV4 Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $24,930

Buyers seeking a small, practical hybrid SUV should put the Toyota RAV4 at the top of their list. It shares many of the same features and virtues as the Camry but also outsells the hybrid sedan considerably. Available with all-wheel drive, it delivers up to 32 MPG combined while providing all-weather capability.

Performance Specifications

It also may be the cheapest hybrid SUV you can take off-roading. Thanks to low operating costs and impressive reliability, it’s one of the best options for people seeking a used hybrid SUV.

2

2020 Lexus ES 300h

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $28,611

As the dark horse of luxury hybrid sedans, the Lexus ES 300h often gets overlooked. However, for buyers looking for luxury and comfort paired with a low cost of ownership, this is your jam. Yet, it is Lexus’ renowned reliability that makes this midsize vehicle stand out.

Performance Specifications

It also strikes a good balance between luxury and practicality. A 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor produces 215 horsepower while delivering 44 MPG combined. It’s also miserly on maintenance costs, which are very reasonable for a luxury vehicle. But the overall blend of luxury, reliability, and efficiency makes the ES a standout choice.

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1

2020 Toyota Avalon Hybrid

Kelley Blue Book Fair Purchase Price: $29,064

Like most Toyota hybrids, the Avalon uses the automaker’s tried and true 2.5-liter inline-four engine paired with an electric motor that produces 215 horsepower. With it, the big sedan returns 43 MPG and can last 300,000 miles or more.

Performance Specifications

It also may be the most underrated used hybrid sedan on the market. Low running costs combined with Lexus levels of luxury and comfort, plus all the practicality that comes with a big car, make the Avalon one of the best hybrid vehicles in the used car market.